TRAFFIC light colours - red, amber and green - are helping school children get to grips with healthy eating.

The colours are being used in a 'good food guide' which highlights healthy dishes on school dinner menus.

Red - means food to be eaten occasionally.

Amber - food to be eaten in moderation.

And green - food to be eaten regularly.

The idea has been launched by Cheshire County Council for its 5,700 primary schools.

And pupils at Rudheath County Primary School, pictured right, are leading the way in joining in the scheme.

Clr Peter Nurse, chairman of Cheshire's Education Service, said the traffic light system was designed to encourage children to make a more informed choice.

"We are not saying you must not eat chips, or anything else for that matter, but rather making youngsters aware of the tasty and healthier alternatives," he said.

"We hope this instant guide to a more balanced diet will have eased our children into the right eating habits by the time they enter secondary school."

The scheme has been prepared by area catering officers Pat Reed and Christine Bebbington.

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